Respite for Foster
ChildrenThe Maryland Model
John Bertulis
Foster Parent Ombudsman
Arnold Eby
Foster Parent
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24 jurisdictions (including Baltimore
City)
8,013 children in out of home care
6,130 are placed in family homes (76.5%)
913 are in group homes (11.4%)
2,981 public foster homes
838 homes are restricted/kinship (28%)
Foster Care in Maryland
(stats as of 6-30-2010)
To understand the importance of respite
care for children in out of home care
 To learn about the successes and
struggles of a State’s Foster Care Respite
Policy
 To get ideas on how to “Respite: Create
It” in your own jurisdiction or state
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Objectives
Major supportive service
 Prevents caregiver burnout
 Cost effective way to preserve placements
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Respite for Children in Foster Care
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Prior to 2005: barter system or informal
respite
Foster parents voiced need for paid
respite
Policy developed in 2005; revised in 2008
Each kinship and foster family may have 7
days of paid respite per reconsideration
year
Extra days determined on a case by case
basis
Maryland Foster Care Respite
Model
Crisis/emergency (unplanned) respite for
things like out of town emergencies or
funerals
 Planned respite for things like out of town
weddings or just a needed break (at least
14 days notice)
 $30.00 per night
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Two Types of Respite
Someone the family identifies, person
must be at least 21 years of age and have
appropriate clearances
 House must pass inspection
 Alternative: Respite could be provided by
an approved person in the home of the
regular provider
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Providers of Respite
Already approved provider
 Win-win situation
* No pre-approval needed
* Good way for new providers “to
get
their feet wet”
* Use vacant foster homes
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Providers of Respite
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As much notice as possible
Tell the child they are going on a vacation, be
sure they realize that they are not being
punished
Share info about the family in advance
If possible, introduce child(ren) to respite
provider in advance (maybe like a play day)
Pack them a special “comfort item”
Reassure child that you will be back to get
them
Respite Preparation
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Information about child (spelling of name,
birth date, etc.)
Provider’s contact info, but also doctor,
social worker, after hours number, etc.
Medication and administration instructions
Medical card(s) and medical consent form
List of daily routine, likes and dislikes,
fears
Instructions for scheduled appointments
Respite “To Go” Kit
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Try to meet the child(ren) in advance
Confirm respite dates and times in
advance
Be mindful that these are children in
foster care because of abuse and neglect
Try to keep a schedule/routine
Remember medication and scheduled
appointments
Have fun, but don’t over do it
Respite Provider
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Thoughts from a seasoned foster parent
who has been there and done that
A Foster Parent’s Testimony
~ In Fiscal Year 2009:
$700,000 was budgeted
$ 50,000 was spent
~ In Fiscal Year 2010:
$100,000 was budgeted
$124,000 was spent
Maryland’s Respite Program
Stalled
For years, foster parents were told to
make the children feel a part of your
family
 Take the foster children with you
wherever you go
 Reluctance to use respite
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Mindset of Providers
Benefits to family: avoid burnout
 Benefits to child(ren): preserve
placement
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Education on Importance of
Respite
There are often delays in respite payment
to providers
 Respite providers become disenchanted
with doing respite
 Foster parents/kinship providers get
embarrassed when their provider is not
paid and they become less likely to use
respite
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Another Problem in Maryland
“Super Saturdays”
 Training opportunities
 You can be creative
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Other Forms of Respite
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Maryland’s experience
AdoptUsKids Mini Respite Grants
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Educate your foster parents about why
respite is important
Get your foster parents’ input: Listen to
what they want
Do a Respite Needs Assessment
Advocate for Foster Parent/Kinship
Respite to your social service agency
Explore grant opportunities to help fund
Where To Go From Here
Any Questions/Input?
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Enjoy the rest of your Conference!
“Respite: Create It”